More from this Slideshow

Macy's 4th of Ju..."Macy's is the grandaddy of them all," notes Julie Heckman of the American Pyrotechnics Association. Katy Perry and Kenny Chesney will be among this year's performers. (Credit: www.kentmillerstudios.com)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Macy's 4th of Ju...More than 40,000 shells and effects will be shot from four massive barges in the Hudson River by Pyro Spectaculars for this 36th annual display. Macy's declined to reveal its budget. (Credit: Barry Schwartz)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Music City July ...Nashville spends $125,000 on its July 4th show, which it calls the "largest fireworks display in the South." Pyrotechnics by the Tennessee-based Pyro Shows will be choreographed to live music by Nashville Symphony Orchestra. (Credit: Courtesy of Nashville CVB)